WWII

Our Submarine Chasers

INTRODUCTION After the reconstitution of the Offshore Patrol (OSP) in 1945, a subsequent build up followed with the arrival of former US Coast Guard Lighthouse Tenders by 1947, surplus ships of the United States Navy made its way to the  OSP from the Patrol Craft Escorts (PCE), Landing Ship Tanks (LST’s), and Submarine Chasers (SC’s). Unknown to many, from 1945…


Book Review: INNOVATING VICTORY Naval Technology in Three Wars

INTRODUCTION The word technology is a compound of two Greek roots, tekhne for craft, and logia for learning. Technology then is the practical application of knowledge expressed through the use of a crafted device. This book focuses on 6 technologies in 3 broad categories: Weapon, Tool, and Platform. A weapon is to damage a target; a tool is to assist…


Book Review: INNOVATING VICTORY: Naval Technology in Three Wars

INTRODUCTION The word technology is a compound of two Greek roots, tekhne for craft, and logia for learning. Technology then is the practical application of knowledge expressed through the use of a crafted device. This book focuses on 6 technologies in 3 broad categories: Weapon, Tool, and Platform. A weapon is to damage a target; a tool is to assist…



Engaging the Enemy at the Littorals: A History of Coastal Defense in the Philippines from the Pre-Spanish period to the Second World War (Part 2)

The American Era: Coastal Defense Fortifications Take Shape The importance of Corregidor Island in the military complex dates back as far as the beginning of the Spanish Colonial period during the 1500’s, as Spanish Galleons used to anchor at the Island or on other nearby islands. Apart from being a naval anchorage, it was an outpost to alert Manila and…




Taiwan and the Philippines

In the event tensions escalate to a conflict between China and Taiwan, will the Philippine be involved? This may be one of the risk scenarios in 2022.* China’s President Xi Jinping blamed the U.S. for the tensions  between the two world economic and military powers on “Repeated attempts by Taiwan authorities for U.S. support  in their independence agenda as well…


Book Review: Commanding the Pacific – U.S. Marine Corps Generals of WWII

INTRODUCTION. Some of the Marine Corps’ most difficult assignments were not only excessively costly, but also had questionable strategic value. The Marine Generals’ willingness to take on almost any assignment therefore came at a stiff price. They acceded for having little say in the Pacific War strategy, and because they were ready to demonstrate their added value to the military…


TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY

Over the past few decades many nations in Southeast Asia, including the ASEAN, have increased their defense budgets to procure and upgrade weapons systems. Some accounts indicate that the increase in the regional defense spending is two to three times the world average. Interestingly most of the weapons acquisitions are for their air and naval forces that are incredibly more…


Ship & Shipmate Before Self: The Story of Telesforo Trinidad, MOH 1915

In commemoration of the 106th Anniversary of Fireman Second Class Telesforo Trinidad receiving the Medal of Honor, the USS Telesforo Trinidad Campaign (USSTTC) announces the launching of its initiative to name the first U.S. Navy Warship after an American national of Filipino descent who served in the U.S. Navy.  Trinidad holds the distinction of being the first and only Asian…



UNITY OF COMMAND – An Enduring Principle

French industrialist Henry Fayol, recognized by many as father of modern management and author of the book titled “Industrial and General Administration” published in 1916, identified 14 Principles of Management that serve as guidelines for managers to perform their duties and responsibilities. One of these principles is “unity of command.” Simply put, this principle means that subordinates must have, and…


The Three Shining Moments of Philippine History

Since becoming a nation 119 years ago, Filipinos have strived to live in freedom, an atmosphere of enduring peace and sustainable development towards a better and brighter future for us and our offspring. This brighter future is to be shared by generations of Filipinos – living and dead – who fought for freedom, dignity and prosperity, and also by us,…